March 3, 2004
Source: BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3531151.stm
On March 3, 2004 the BBC News reported, "The upper house of the French parliament has approved a bill banning Islamic headscarves and other religious symbols in state schools. The proposal was approved with 276 votes in favour and 20 against. President Jacques Chirac has 15 days to sign into law the bill - passed by the lower house last month. Most of France's political parties, and around 70% of the population, support the ban which some Muslim leaders say risks being perceived as intolerant."